Faith and Improved Health
Recognizing the interconnectedness of faith and health, the Parish Nurse Program provides the means for extending the mission of health promotion and disease prevention into the community through partnerships with congregations committed to the establishment and support of Parish Nurse programs. The program's goal is to enable members of the community to live full, productive and healthy lives.

Who is a Parish Nurse?
A parish nurse is a licensed registered nurse who brings the skills of their profession to a congregation and understands health to be a dynamic process which encompasses the spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of the person. They function much like a community-based nurse seeking to raise the health awareness of the faith community they serve, and to foster an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle, personal habits, attitudes, faith and well-being. They enhance rather than duplicate services currently in place. The parish nurse uses the instruments of touch, prayer, support and listening to assess and provide guidance to individuals, families and groups throughout all stages of life and at every socioeconomic level. The parish nurse does not provide direct care like administering medications, drawing blood or changing bandages. The parish nurses' role is as a health educator, health counselor and advocate, coordinator of volunteers, and as a referral source to church and community resources. The parish nurse is in an unique position to bring together faith and health and encourage persons to become more active partners in the management of their personal health resources.

Funding
The Genesys Health System Parish Nurse Program has been made possible through funds generated from the Genesys Charity Classic , a golf tournament and dinner dance.The Charity Classic's funding provides scholarship monies to encourage the completion of parish nurse course work and support to the overall program.

A Partnership
Working in partnership with other congregational ministries and health care providers, parish nurses guide and direct assessments of congregational health needs, concerns and interests. In partnership with Genesys Health System, the congregational parish nurse serves as a liaison for assessing health resources to meet the identified congregational health needs. She/he works with a health ministry cabinet comprised of congregational members who have a special interest in promoting holistic health and assisting the parish nurse in addressing congregational health needs. The Parish Nurse program extends the mission of Genesys into the community and by being a voice for the voiceless.

More Information
To start a Parish Nurse Program in your congregation or to learn from existing parish nurse programs, call (810) 606-5100.